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  4. K90-K95
  5. Intestinal malabsorption (K90)

Intestinal malabsorption (K90)

Intestinal malabsorption ICD-10 codes in the K90 category classify various conditions where the small intestine cannot properly absorb nutrients. These codes cover specific causes like celiac disease (K90.0), tropical sprue (K90.1), and Whipple's disease (K90.81), along with broader malabsorption issues due to intolerance or intestinal failure.

These codes are essential for describing digestive disorders characterized by inadequate nutrient uptake. For example, K90.0 includes celiac disease, also known by synonyms like sprue or gluten intolerance, helping medical coders identify this autoimmune disorder linked to gluten. K90.1 refers to tropical sprue, associated with megaloblastic anemia from poor folate absorption. Blind loop syndrome (K90.2) and pancreatic steatorrhea (K90.3) represent malabsorption from bacterial overgrowth and pancreatic insufficiency, respectively. The section also specifies codes for non-celiac gluten sensitivity (K90.41), different types of short bowel syndrome (K90.82 series), and general malabsorption not elsewhere classified (K90.49, K90.89, K90.9), often linked to symptoms like chronic diarrhea or nutritional deficiencies. The ICD-10 code for intestinal malabsorption allows precise documentation of these diverse gastrointestinal disorders for effective diagnosis and treatment planning.

Instructional Notations

Type 1 Excludes

A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.

  • intestinal malabsorption following gastrointestinal surgery K91.2

Clinical Terms

The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.

Blind Loop Syndrome

A malabsorption syndrome that is associated with a blind loop in the upper SMALL INTESTINE that is characterized by the lack of peristaltic movement, stasis of INTESTINAL CONTENTS, and the overgrowth of BACTERIA. Such bacterial overgrowth interferes with BILE SALTS action, FATTY ACIDS processing, MICROVILLI integrity, and the ABSORPTION of nutrients such as VITAMIN B12 and FOLIC ACID.

Celiac Disease

A malabsorption syndrome that is precipitated by the ingestion of foods containing GLUTEN, such as wheat, rye, and barley. It is characterized by INFLAMMATION of the SMALL INTESTINE, loss of MICROVILLI structure, failed INTESTINAL ABSORPTION, and MALNUTRITION.

Intestinal Failure

Various intestinal diseases functionally defined as having reduced intestine function requiring PARENTERAL NUTRITION.

Parenteral Nutrition

The administering of nutrients for assimilation and utilization by a patient who cannot maintain adequate nutrition by enteral feeding alone. Nutrients are administered by a route other than the alimentary canal (e.g., intravenously, subcutaneously).

Short Bowel Syndrome

A malabsorption syndrome resulting from extensive operative resection of the SMALL INTESTINE, the absorptive region of the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT.